iCatCare shares new guidelines on chronic kidney disease
The guides emphasise a team approach to CKD care, including communication with pet owners.
International Cat Care (iCatCare) has published new veterinary guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.
The advice, informed by experts in veterinary nephrology, shares new developments on the comorbidities, anaesthesia and analgesia in CKD cats. It is accompanied by guidance on optimising home and veterinary environments for feline wellbeing and ongoing treatment.
These new guidelines mark the first major update to the ISFM chronic kidney disease guidelines, published by the then International Society of Feline Medicine in 2016.
iCatCare’s 2026 document seeks to provide information on the pathogenesis of CKD. Addressing the whole veterinary team, it gives guidance on diagnosis and disease staging as well as practical content on medical and nutritional treatment.
The consensus guidelines are accompanied by a comprehensive Nursing Guide, specifically for veterinary nurses and technicians. It emphasises a team-based approach to CKD care, with support for monitoring the condition and communicating with caregivers.
The guide, Nursing the cat with chronic kidney disease, is available as a PDF download.
Meanwhile, for cat carers, veterinary teams are encouraged to share iCatCare’s free Cat Carer Guide with clients.
The Cat Carer Guide encourages pet owners to engage with clinical teams and take an active role in their cat’s treatment. It includes essential information about the disease, including symptoms to look out for and resources to support them with monitoring the condition.
Samantha Taylor, iCatCare veterinary specialist consultant and co-author of the documents, said: “In the ten years since the last guidelines were published, knowledge has increased rapidly in feline nephrology and our new guidelines bring together the latest expert information on diagnosis, preventing progression of the condition, and practical management of complications such as nausea, hypercalcaemia, hypertension and proteinuria.
“They also emphasise the importance of supporting those caring for cats with CKD, with practical advice on helping caregivers manage medication, diet changes and veterinary clinic appointments. There are also new sections in the guidelines on understanding and optimising mental wellbeing as an important part of caring for senior cats, including those with CKD.”
iCatCare’s new veterinary guidelines have been published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
